Tiivistelmä

Loneliness is a subjective concept, which results from a loss of companionship or the perceived absence of an individual. Loneliness among the elderly is common and has the detrimental effects of decreasing the quality of life and ability to live independently. Factors that can cause loneliness are illness, retirement, separation and sudden bereavement. Social isolation is not a synonym for loneliness, nor does being alone necessarily result in loneliness.

The purpose of the study is to investigate what meaningful activities and nursing interventions can help in reducing loneliness among the elderly. A literature review was conducted using ten scientific articles that were analyzed qualitatively using an inductive approach.

The results of the study demonstrate that increasing the elderly person's input in terms of stimulating activities level can alleviate loneliness. Reducing loneliness and improving the health and wellbeing of older people can be accomplished by social group schemes, one-to-one, befriending and Navigator schemes. The Geriatric Rehabilitation Model is the theoretical framework used for the study, in which the aged person and the professionals work equally and interact closely. The patients' commitment to the goals and the professionals' commitment to support the patient in accomplishing the goals is essential elements in Geriatric Model. There have been limited earlier intervention studies so more research is needed extensively both in intervention and prevention of loneliness. Well-planned, client-centered professionally led psychosocial groups activate lonely older people socially. For home-dwelling people, participating in leisure and volunteer activities improved the quality of life and alleviate loneliness. Well-educated nurses with an appreciation for the elderly are necessary in constructing client-centered psychosocial groups.